But it didn't take long for Harris to find out college football was a different world.

Since UTSA's program was getting off the ground his freshman year there were no games. Instead, that time was spent as a redshirt adjusting to college life.

“It was weird not playing a game,” Harris said. “It was very strange practicing every day and having a few scrimmages. But it was a major jump start. I learned the plays and the system. When the season began that next year we were ready.”

A bigger lesson came when the games began. Harris got stronger and quicker as a redshirt, but going against experienced players from established college programs was a newer test. Once again, the UTSA lineman made the grade.

“Going from tackle to guard was a big adjustment, but it was a good adjustment,” Harris said. “It fits me better. I'm stronger and I've gained a little more weight.

“I've learned a lot about being a lineman in college,” he added. “You have to be versatile, smart and athletic. You have to have the whole package. I've gotten a lot tougher. I feel a lot smarter. I have our system down.”

Harris is also happy with the progress of the entire offensive line. He was on a sturdy unit during his Smithson Valley days, but a big reason for that was having the chance to work with the other linemen from middle school to high school.

Things were different at UTSA. Other than former Ranger lineman Payton Rion, Harris had never worked with the rest of the blockers. It didn't take long for them to unite.

“We have bonded together,” Harris said. “Coming here as freshmen and growing up together at the same time has been a big deal. You have to be brothers on the offensive line. Everyone has to be on the same page and connected. We have that.”

Currently, the Roadrunners are going through daily workouts to get ready for the season, which begins at South Alabama. Following other A&M-Commerce, Georgia State, Northwestern Oklahoma State, New Mexico State and Rice, they jump into Western Athletic Conference play.

As the newcomer to the WAC, UTSA is picked at the bottom of the pile.

That motivates Harris and the Roadrunners to prove the critics wrong.

“People are counting us out and putting us at the bottom of the WAC,” Harris said. “But this is a brand new team. We're going to turn some heads along the way.

“We have come such a long way. Last year we were a bunch of little kids. We felt we could have won more games, but seeing what we did last year as 18, 19 and 20-year-olds was encouraging. Now, we had three (recruiting) classes and most of our starters are returning. We're looking for many more memories.”